A pensioner was beaten around the face in her home by a thief who made off with just a few pounds.

A pensioner was beaten around the face in her home by a thief who made off with just a few pounds.

The 77-year-old was watching television in her home in the Glebe area of Washington when she was confronted by a man who had got in through a downstairs window.

The man demanded money from the woman and attacked her in the incident which happened at 2am on Saturday.

He escaped with her handbag and purse containing cash.

Det Chief Inspector Dave Burne said: "This was a nasty attack on an elderly woman in her own home."

The woman was treated for minor facial injuries at Sunderland Royal Infirmary.

Her attacker is described as 5ft 6ins, slim and aged 20 to 30 with short dark spiky hair. He was clean-shaven with a round face and wore a white short-sleeved shirt and dark trousers. Anyone with details should call (0191) 454 7555, ext 66426.